Pravato Extends Hours At Walk-Up Tax Payment Windows

Press release from the Town of Oyster Bay:

Jan. 27, 2021

Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato today announced that the Town will offer extended hours at its outdoor Walk-Up Windows for those who wish to make their tax payments in-person by check or money order ahead of the February 10th deadline for first half General tax bills.

The walk-up windows at Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa will operate with extended hours for the last 2 days of the property tax collection period, Tuesday, February 9th and Wednesday, February 10th from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:45pm. While most local governments have restricted or fully suspended in-person interactions at their facilities, these walk-up windows offer residents a safe option within which to make their payments in-person during this public health crisis.

Receiver of Taxes Pravato stated, “Throughout this pandemic, my office has remained fully operational to assist residents in making on-time tax payments. To ensure your safety and well-being, these walkup windows allow taxpayers to make in-person payments ahead of the deadline. Take advantage of this process and avoid State-imposed tax penalties for late payments.”

Because Nassau County provided untimely data to the towns, Receiver Pravato has written to Governor Cuomo to request a 30 day extension deadline for taxpayers. The Governor has not yet responded, but hope remains that an extension will be granted. Homeowners should note that this is the first General tax bill mailed under County Executive Laura Curran’s reassessment and her 2021 property tax hike. While the General tax bill includes amounts for the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County and special districts, the Town of Oyster Bay did not raise taxes in 2021. Any changes in your taxes are due to Nassau County and its reassessment system, which resulted in tax hikes for 65% of homeowners.

When making payment, residents are reminded to sign their check, payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate the property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot, and Phone Number on the check. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539. Payments being made by mail should include the payment stub. Residents should NOT write on, fold, staple or otherwise deface the tax stub as it can cause the computer system to reject the payment.

Taxpayers can access 2021 General tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com. Residents may view tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment or credit/debit card (subject to third party fees, no portion remitted to the Town of Oyster Bay). For more information on property taxes and/or payments, residents may call at (516) 624-6400. Callers are requested to have the school district, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

This press release was produced by the Town of Oyster Bay. The views expressed here are the author's own.